Sunday, 6 September 2015

If
European and world leaders haven't the stomach for regime change in
Syria, however brutally flawed the regime, at least have the heart to
provide a breathing space for refugees to rebuild shattered lives
while contributing to the local economy and community. The strength
of spirit these refugees will need to rebuild their country in future
years will not be found in semi-permanent camps or behind barbed
wire. It should not be leached away by political infighting,
statistics and nights spent on the side of cold roads while the rest
of the world weeps without consequence.

Across
Europe and the world there are communities, many rural, needing
skilled, literate families, from doctors to crop pickers to help
revitalise their economy. If the political machinery of the world has
become so hamstrung by its own bureaucracy it is unable to act,
perhaps we need to look at other avenues to find places for people.
Mayors, community groups, local employers, village councils who know
the shortages and empty homes in their areas could help to provide
economic support for these refugees before organised crime, profiteering, racketeering and people traffickers take over and before another nation's hearts and minds are lost.